Consumer Confidence Jumps on Better Outlook for Hiring, Pay

Rick Bowmer/APJob seekers at a recent job fair in Portland, Ore. Americans' confidence in the economy rose in April despite continued high unemployment and a rise in payroll taxes.By Leah Schnurr

NEW YORK -- U.S. consumer confidence rebounded in April as Americans felt better about the outlook for the economy and their income prospects, according to a private sector report released Tuesday.

The Conference Board, an industry group, said its index of consumer attitudes rose to 68.1 from an upwardly revised 61.9 in March. Economists had expected a reading of 60.8, according to a Reuters poll.

March was originally reported as 59.7. The expectations index gained to 73.3 from 63.7, while the present situation index improved to 60.4 from 59.2.

"While expectations appear to have bounced back, it is too soon to tell if confidence is actually on the mend," Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board, said in a statement.

Consumers' labor market assessment was mixed. The "jobs hard to get" index rose to 37.1 percent from 35.4 percent the month before, while the "jobs plentiful" index also gained to 9.8 percent from 9.5 percent.

Consumers felt better about price increases with expectations for inflation in the coming 12 months falling to 5.5 percent from 5.8 percent.